Trust – Changes Everything . . .

Simply put, trust means confidence. The opposite of trust – distrust – is suspicion. When you trust people, you have confidence in them – in their integrity and in their abilities. When you distrust people, you are suspicious of them – of their integrity, their agenda, their capabilities, or their track record. It’s that simple. We have all had experiences that validate the difference between relationships that are built on trust and those that are not. These experiences clearly tell us the difference is not small; it is dramatic. – Author Stephen M.R. Covey

It is critical to have and develop trust in a business development situation, as an individual, as a team, as an organization. People don’t get involved with organizations or with people who they don’t trust. Five points to consider in building trust…

  1. Develop a strong core of self-trust – If you don’t trust yourself, other people will not trust you. Honor your personal and professional commitments and goals to build self-trust and exude trustworthiness.
  2. Always be credible – Be honest – always. Straightforward, sincere, open, direct, authentic.
  3. Honor your commitments – Do what you said you would do when you said you would do it – always. This is simplest, purest way to build trust. If you say you will be there, be there! If you said you will call back, call back!
  4. Admit mistakes and right wrongs – This isn’t simply “apologizing” – this is admitting and correcting. We all make mistakes – those who “right wrongs” keep, and often grow, the trust they’ve built.
  5. Change negative behaviors – We can change, by going inward, reflecting on limiting/defeating behaviors, and making coarse-corrections. Ask yourself what you desire to be – Honest? Consistent? Reliable? Credible? Passionate? Involved? Healthy? Active? Cooperative? Walk in life with purpose and intention and behave in those ways.